CPT Code 78582 | Description & Clinical Information
CPT 78582 describes a diagnostic procedure where the healthcare provider conducts a nuclear scan test to evaluate the circulation of air and blood within the patient’s lungs by performing both pulmonary ventilation and perfusion imaging.
Official Description
The CPT book defines CPT code 78582 as: “Pulmonary ventilation (eg, aerosol or gas) and perfusion imaging”.
Clinical Information
The procedure describes by CPT code 78582 is a combination of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion imaging, which is used to diagnose and evaluate lung diseases. Pulmonary ventilation and perfusion imaging are medical imaging tests that measure the circulation of air and flow of blood within the lungs, respectively.
The primary goal of these tests is to identify the areas of lung that are capable of ventilation (taking in air) and detect any blood clot that is preventing normal blood flow to a part of the lung. This information helps the healthcare provider to determine a patient’s diagnosis and choose an appropriate treatment plan.
Perfusion imaging involves injecting a radioactive tracer substance into a vein in the arm. The radioactive tracer substance then travels through the bloodstream and into the lungs, allowing the provider to obtain images of the lungs using a gamma camera that can detect the gamma rays emitted by the radioactive tracer substance.
On the other hand, in the ventilation imaging process, the provider has the patient inhale a radioactive tracer gas or mist through a mouthpiece or mask that covers the nose and mouth. Once the patient inhales the tracer gas, the provider then obtains images of the lungs using a gamma camera that can detect the gamma rays emitted by the radioactive tracer gas.
These images obtained from the scan show the areas of lung that are not receiving enough air or areas that are not receiving enough blood. This combined study is commonly performed to evaluate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, bronchitis, or other infections. In addition, this procedure is also useful in detecting pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that has traveled to the lungs and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
This procedure provides an accurate and non-invasive way to evaluate lung disorders and locate abnormal areas in the lungs. The diagnostic accuracy of this procedure is further enhanced by using a combination of ventilation and perfusion imaging, which allows the healthcare provider to accurately diagnose and determine the severity of the patient’s lung condition.
In conclusion, CPT code 78582 is a valuable diagnostic tool used by healthcare providers to evaluate lung disorders such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary embolism. The combination of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion imaging provides accurate and informative results that allow healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding patient treatment plans. This diagnostic procedure is an essential tool in the diagnosis and treatment of lung-related diseases and disorders.
Return to all the CPT codes for diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures on the respiratory system.
